As we begin this article, we realize that this is the very first time that we are talking to you about Arpiem. There french brand has just unveiled a brand new collection endowed with a singular function with a very particular utility. A great opportunity to catch up with us by introducing you to this new trio Ride&Drive !
Like many young brands today, Arpiem made its debut on the famous American platform Kickstarter. After a successful first campaign in 2020, it is back in action the following year. A new success allowing to truly install the brand of Vincent Repoux which reveals today a third collection, this time without going through crowdfunding. Arpiem comes from the English pronunciation of the letters RPM meaning “Revolutions Per Minute”, or revolution per minute in the language of Molière. Inspired by the world of mechanics, it pays direct homage to the golden age of Motorsport of the 1960s and 1970s through creations with a racing look and a retro spirit.
With the Ride & Drive collection, Arpiem gives us a very nice nod to a specific type of watch: the “Driver’s Watch”. Initially created for aviators, it was quickly taken up by racing drivers, and is distinguished by its offset dial allowing optimized reading while keeping your hands fixed to the steering wheel. But here, Arpiem goes further by offering a rotary dial can be locked to two position : REST, the traditional position, and DRIVE, the pilot position with the 12 o’clock mark shifted to 2 o’clock. A real innovation full of meaning and uniqueness.
There are three creations sharing the same stainless steel case measuring 42mm in width containing the automatic movement Seiko NH35. On the menu, theIMATRA and its white dial in homage to the Continental Circus (motorcycle speed world championship), the TT and its black dial a nod to the “Ton up boys” of the Mountain Course circuit, and finally theASSEN and its orange open-heart dial in reference to the legendary Dutch circuit. All three are wearing a sapphire crystalmounted on a leather strap with Italian stitching and displayed at the price of 459€.
To find out more, visit the Arpiem website.
CHARACTERISTICS – ARPIEM RIDE & DRIVE
Case: 316L stainless steel – polished and brushed finish – 42mm wide x 12.9mm thick – domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment – crown not screwed at 3 o’clock – water resistance 5 ATM (50 meters)
Dial: rotary with double position “REST” and “DRIVE” – painted indexes – baton hands
Movement : mechanical self-winding – Seiko caliber NH35 – 38-hour power reserve – 21,600 vibrations per hour (4Hz) – 24 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds functions
Bracelet : calfskin – Italian stitching – 20mm wide at the lug – 316L stainless steel pin buckle
Information: available now on the Arpiem website – 2-year warranty – €459 incl. tax
